Story by:
Claire
The Essentials Camping Checklist of Men's Camping Clothing
At The Safari Store, we believe that simplicity should mark everything from packing to performance - the kind that comes from good advice and the best outdoor clothing. Our clothes and gear have been purpose-built for comfort, protection, and style on all of life's adventures. Extensively tested on expeditions, outdoor adventures, and wild camping trips, our clothes are a tool to keep you exploring. Find out what to pack by reading our camping clothes advice to find out what to wear camping and why. Get head-to-toe men's camping clothes tips. Ready to pack? Skip ahead to our shopping guide and camping packing list to shop our top recommendations.
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Quick View: What to Wear Camping
Sun and Shiver Protection: Hats and Beanies
Layer Up With Jackets, Fleeces, Gilets, and Shirts
Mix and Match Convertible Trousers, Cargoes, and Shorts
Pair Boots, Shoes, and Sandals With Socks and Gaiters
Men's Camping Clothes: Head-To-Toe-Tips
Put a Hat at the Top of Your Camping Checklist: A trusty hat is an age-old adventurer's companion. Rain or shine, a wide-brimmed hat is a must to protect your skin from the sun or for a bit of extra cover in wet weather on the trail.
Beat the Chill With Wool: Dawn, dusk, frosty nights, or winter adventures - it's prudent to prepare for cold conditions on camping trips. Pack key wool knitwear that's warm, stylish, and compact for packing.
Men's Shirts and T-Shirts: Choose a long-sleeved technical shirt as a base layer. Lightweight and cool, it is the perfect final layer for comfort and protection for camping. Our SAFARITech sun shirt and BUGTech™ men's anti-insect shirts offer insect defence, built-in UPF50+ sun protection, wicking, and a range of camp-friendly features for every kind of adventure. Opt for long sleeves to cover up as needed, but with roll-up sleeve tabs for the flexibility of short sleeves in a single shirt. Don't forget to throw in a T-shirt or two as an extra base layer or for comfort around camp.
Men's Camping Jackets and Fleeces: Dress in warm outerwear for cold starts, chilly days, or time around the campfire. A fleece is just what you need for warmth. Our lightweight Men's BUGTech™ Explorer Safari Jacket is an alternative that offers insect defence, sun protection, and wicking through the technical outer and warmth through its fleece core.
Men's Waterproof Layer for Camping: Prepare to escape the rain with a waterproof layer. Choose a waterproof jacket or waterproof poncho, as well as waterproof overtrousers, that pack compactly into your day pack for whatever you have planned on camping trips.
Convertible Trousers: With longs and shorts in a single garment, convertible trousers are ideal for packing light for camping - whether you are thru-hiking and camping along the way or car camping at your favourite spot. The Explorer BUGTech™ Zip-Off Trousers for Men convert longs to three-quarters or shorts without a wardrobe change. They're also made from lightweight, anti-insect, moisture wicking, sun protective fabric that is fast-drying.
Cargo Trousers for Camping: A pair of trusty cargoes are never out of place on a camping trip. The Mara&Meru™ Savute Cargo Pants are designed to be super-comfy and stylish on every adventure. Want a little extra insect defence? The Adventurer All-Day-Longs are made from lightweight BUGTech™ ripstop fabric with loads of features for the outdoors.
Men's Camping Shorts: Especially in warm weather, you're almost certainly going to need a pair of camping shorts. The Mara&Meru™ Savute Shorts follow our super-comfy design approach, with cargo short features for commuting, camping, and adventure.
Men's Camping Boots: We never go camping without a pair of slip-on camping boots. The Buffalo Leather Chelsea Boots are our top choice every time for strength, comfort, and peace of mind around camp. If you're planning on walking the trails, pack boots specifically made for walking. The Rufiji™ APU Combat Boots are worn by hard-working and hard-walking anti-poaching foot patrolsmen and women in Africa every day and are perfect for time on the trail or combat boot style back at camp.
Men's Camp Shoes: Comfortable closed shoes are the order of the day around camp. The Rufiji™ Explorer Shoes and Rufiji™ Veldskoen Desert Boots are modelled on the pioneer adventurer's shoe in Africa that's popular the world over for their rugged good looks.
Camping Sandals: For breathability and relief at the end of a long day on your feet, camp sandals are a great addition to your packing list.
The Best Socks for Camping: Not all socks are made equal. For camping our top recommendation is a pair of blister-free socks. With a double-layered design, they are the low-friction alternative that keeps you blister and pain free when covering distance and in damp conditions. They're also quick-drying and moisture wicking, which promotes cool, dry feet for happy campers.
Ankle Gaiters for Camping: A pair of ankle gaiters are a clever camping footwear accessory. Especially for hiking, they offer an extra barrier of defence against insects on ankles and keep blackjacks and debris away from socks, boots, and shoes.
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Relax While Your Clothing Does the Work: BUGTech™ Men's Anti-Insect Clothing for Camping
Insect Defence and Moisture Wicking: In developing BUGTech™ anti-bug fabric, we wanted to achieve insect defence without compromising on moisture wicking. The anti-insect treatment used by many anti-insect clothing brands has the effect of retarding moisture wicking properties, which affects comfort and performance. We have tested and fine-tuned our BUGTech™ fabric to meet our standards - and have had it independently tested.
Quick Drying: Moisture wicking and quick drying features go hand in hand for high-performance outdoor clothing. BUGTech's lightweight ripstop fabric is camping friendly, allowing you to wash and wear on the go with ease.
Sun Protection: BUGTech™ also offers built-in UPF50+ sun protection, so you can cover up for sun care while you enjoy the outdoors.
Anti-Microbial: Another special feature of BUGTech™ is the SilverPlus anti-microbial fabric treatment keeps your clothing smelling fresh between washes.
Quick Wrinkle Release: BUGTech™ clothing folds up compactly to fit in with your plans for a lightweight pack - but nobody needs to know that. This ripstop fabric releases wrinkles quickly after unpacking - keeping your clothing looking crisp for camping.
Soft hand feel: Just because clothing is tough and performance-focused doesn't mean it can't feel great to wear. BUGTech™ fabric has evolved over the years and the ripstop used for our Pioneer, Explorer, and Everything ranges have an unparalleled luxury touch.
Design Features and Styling: Form doesn't need to give way to function. BUGTech™ clothing is designed to be stylish, with real consideration given to comfortable fit and motion on outdoor adventures.
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Men's Camping Clothing Guide: Things To Pack For Camping
We've hand-selected our must-have bestselling men's clothing for camping. Exploring starts right here. Browse the range and shop for camping clothes that were made for adventure style and performance.
Men's Wide-Brimmed Camping Hats and Beanies
Men's Explorer Leather Hat for Camping• Made from genuine suede leather.
• Packable, with a wired brim for shape retention.
• Comes with a detachable suede leather chin strap.
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Men's Explorer Canvas Hat for Camping• Made from packable, water resistant canvas with a mesh crown for breathability.
• Adjustable internal drawstring for fit.
• Comes with a detachable suede leather chin strap.
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Men's Panama Hat for Camping• SPF50+, 360-degree sun protection.
• Adjustable internal drawstring for fit.
• Comes with a detachable suede leather chin strap.
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Barmah Canvas Drover Hat for Camping• Made from packable premium polycotton canvas with a generous brim.
• Breathable mesh sides.
• Cotton base material is water resistant and moisture wicking.
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Barmah Foldaway Bronco Leather Hat• UPF50+. Made from full-grain cattle hide leather with a natural finish.
• Foldable and retains its shape well for packing.
• Comes with its own travel bag.
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Barmah Foldaway Leather Suede Hat• Made from waterproof, UPF50+ genuine cattle hide suede leather.
• Mesh sides for ventilation.
• Fully foldable and comes with its own travel bag.
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Men's Adventurer Flat Packable Hat for Camping• Made from heavy duty cotton canvas. UPF40 sun protection factor.
• Eyelets for airflow. Internal drawstring for fit. Flip and clip brim.
• Packable and floatable.
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Thusk™ Knitted Bow Scarf• Hand-knitted by African grandmothers as part of a community project.
• Made from 100% sustainably sourced South African wool.
• Unique rib-knit thread-through design that's snug and warm on chilly camping days and nights.
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Thusk™ Cable-Knit Beanie• Hand-knitted by Zulu grandmothers as part of our community project.
• Made from 100% sustainably sourced South African wool.
• One size fits all.
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Thusk™ Rib-Knit Beanie• Hand-knitted by Zulu grandmothers as part of our community project.
• Made from 100% sustainably-sourced South African wool.
• Can be worn in foldover, fisherman beanie style or as a woolen slouch cap.
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Vintage Print Tubular Head&Neck Scarf for Camping• Made from nanoweave material in a seamless design with soft hand feel.
• UPF50+ sun protection, windproof, and quick drying.
• Available in two vintage print designs. Can be worn in 8 ways.
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Layer Up in Men's Camping Jackets, Fleeces, and Shirts
BUGTech™ Explorer Men's Anti-Insect Camping Shirt• Made from anti-insect, moisture wicking, anti-microbial, UPF50+, technical fabric with a soft hand feel.
• Double roll-up sleeve tabs, sunglasses loop, +Vent system, zipped security pocket.
• Quick drying and fast wrinkle release for camping convenience.
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BUGTech™ Everything Men's Camping Shirt• Anti-insect, UPF50+ sun protection, moisture wicking, quick drying, and anti-microbial.
• Soft hand feel ripstop fabric that releases wrinkles quickly on camping trips.
• Single roll-up sleeve tabs and sunglasses loop
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Mara&Meru™ Savute Men's T-Shirt for Camping• Made from 100% cotton.
• Crew neck, button-down design.
• Sunglasses loop to secure specs and shades to your collar.
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BUGTech™ Everyday Men's Anti-Insect Camping Shirt• Made from anti-insect, moisture wicking, anti-microbial, UPF50+, technical fabric with a soft hand feel.
• Pocketless design with double roll-up sleeve tabs and a sunglasses loop.
• Quick drying and fast wrinkle release for camping convenience.
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SAFARITech Sun Protective Camping Shirt• Made from moisture wicking, anti-microbial, UPF50+, technical fabric with a soft hand feel.
• Pocketless design with double roll-up sleeve tabs and a sunglasses loop.
• Quick drying and fast wrinkle release for camping convenience.
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Men's Convertible Camping Trousers, Cargo Pants, and Shorts
BUGTech™ Explorer Men's Convertible Camping Pants• Made from lightweight, anti-insect, sun protective, and anti-microbial ripstop fabric.
• Longs convert into both three-quarters or shorts in one garment.
• Elasticated waistband, drawstring, belt loops, and a button and fly zip for fit and comfort.
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Mara&Meru™ Men's Savute Cargo Pants• Made from lightweight 97% cotton, 3% spandex for stretch.
• Cargo pant design with six pockets: two hand pockets, two zipped cargo pockets, and two back pockets.
• Designed to be comfort for relaxing and activities. Elasticated waist with drawstring and belt loops for fit.
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Mara&Meru™ Men's Savute Shorts• Made from lightweight 97% cotton, 3% spandex for stretch.
• Six pockets: two hand pocckets, two zipped cargo pockets, and two back pockets.
• Baggy knee-length design that's super-comfy - with an elasticated waist and drawstring for fit.
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BUGTech™ Adventurer All-Day-Longs Men's Camping Pants• Made from lightweight, anti-insect, sun protective, and anti-microbial ripstop fabric.
• Classic and comfortable cargo pant design.
• Elasticated waistband, drawstring, belt loops, and a button and fly zip for fit and comfort.
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Camping Boots, Shoes, Sandals, and Footwear Accessories
Buffalo Men's Leather Chelsea Boots• Crafted from 100% genuine cowhide leather in a slip-on design that's perfect for camping.
• Grippy thermo rubber soles. Micro and leather in-sole for comfort and wet conditions.
• Double reinforced pull tabs and leather counter along the back for strength.
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Rufiji™ APU Combat Boots• Made in Africa from genuine cowhide leather with a rubber sole.
• Designed to be the ultimate walking boot anti-poaching patrolsmen and women.
• Every purchase goes towards boot donations for anti-poaching in Africa.
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Rufiji™ Explorer Veldskoen Shoes• Made in Africa from genuine suede leather and (synthetic) crepe soles.
• Traditional veldskoen or chukka boot design - an adventure and fashion favourite.
• Steel eyelets with antique brass finish.
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Rufiji™ Veldskoen Desert Boots• Handmade in Africa.
• Suede cow hide upper. Crepe sole.
• Traditional high-top veldskoen design.
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Rufiji™ Canvas and Leather Ankle Gaiters• Made from safari-grade cotton canvas and leather with brass detail. Also available in suede leather.
• Elasticated fit with velcro and press stud closure and shoe clip.
• The perfect way to protect ankles and socks from insects and debris both in camp and on the trail.
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Mara&Meru™ Ultimate Blister-Free Socks• Double-layered for reduced friction and blister protection.
• Moisture wicking and quick drying for all-round camping comfort.
• Hydrovent outer with cotton terry cushioning, Tactel liner - with loads of features for happy feet.
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Men's Camping Accessories
Bushman Insect Repellent• Safe and effective DEET formula.
• A top-selling Australian-made brand, selling more than 1 million bottles per year in Australia.
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Mosi-Guard Natural Insect Repellent• Plant-based Citriodiol (lemon eucaluptus) formula - tested and approved by international regulators.
• Family-friendly - suitable for children aged six months and older.
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Shop the Rest of the Camping Packing List
Build a Never-Fail Camping Wardrobe For Comfort and Protection
- Made for the outdoors: Find out more about camping clothes and shop the women's camping clothes and children's camping clothes essentials. Go directly to the full camping packing list
- Advice on all forms of camping apparel: The right gear is a strong start for the success of your camping adventures. Read our camping shirts advice, camping pants advice, and camping jackets advice.
- Top camping accessories: No camping trip is complete without insect repellent, sun protection, and a good torch. Read our advice and shop the essentials: insect and mosquito repellent for camping, sun care for camping, and torches and camp lanterns
- That's a wrap: Never get cold on a camping trip. Find out our top choices of beanies, scarves, and head and neck tubular scarves and shop the recommendations on our beanies and winter scarves advice page.